CHICAGO: Michelle Tan Trunk Show, May 9

May 13-14 Be&D Sample Sale

Semi-annual LaROK sample sale, May 15-17 in SOHO

The semi-annual LaROK sample sale event takes place May 15th through May 17th at a new location in SOHO. The merchandise at this blowout sale will be marked down, up to 90 percent below retail.

What: ready-to-wear pieces, dresses, tops, tees, and more…
Where: 72 Wooster Street (Between Spring and Broome Streets), New York, NY 10013
When: Friday, May 15th 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 16th 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 17th 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Examples of items at the sale:
LaROK
Shrug Dress, Retails $348, Sample Sale Price $40
Check Me Out Shirt, Retails $198, Sample Sale Price $20
Level Mini Skirt, Retails $168, Sample Sale Price $20

New New York Times New Column: THE HAGGLER

The New York Times is beginning a new Sunday business section column called "The Haggler," which is designed to help consumers address their grievances with companies. The column begins May 10. Readers are asked to send in their complaints about transactions that have been problematic. Examples include phone bills, airline tickets and car rentals. Consumer complaints can be sent to haggler@nytimes.com. David Segal is "The Haggler" and he can be reached at david.segal@nytimes.com.

Showroom Seven Spring Sample Sale: May 11-22

Showroom Seven Spring Sample Sale

May 11-22, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (closed Sunday)
263 11th Avenue (between 27th-28th Sts.)
3rd Floor
cash & credit cards
Orla Kiely, Erickson Beamon, etc. etc. priced at wholesale and below.

Filene's Basement Seeks Chapter 11!

Burju: I Wanna Put on My My My My My Boogie Shoes

I was recently contacted to preview a new line of dance-inspired shoes called Burju Shoes. Not one to turn down such an offer, I obliged.

The line is designed by Burju Perez: a dancer, dance-studio owner, and established choreographer. She recognized a niche for women who wanted the comfort, engineering and support of a professional dance shoe, with contemporary style and design. Burju currently inventories over 50 styles of shoes (for men, women, and children), which can all be custom ordered in terms of color combination, width, height of heel, trim, detailing, and beadwork and are available internationally via the online store (www.BurjuShoes.com) and in select retail boutiques worldwide. Most off the shelf pairs cost around $95, give or take.

OK, so now down to business. The pair I received, pictured above, is known as "Chic" and retails for $80. I kind of liken them to high-heeled slippers. You know the kind that you would see Marlene Dietrich or Mommy Dearest wearing with her fancy night clothes...in case she had to break out into a ballroom number at midnight. Or maybe, to bring it into this century, they remind me of shoes one might buy on Canal Street for $40 or less. They don't have hard soles, so walking around the streets of New York is pretty much out of the question, and I also challenge their overall workmanship. However, I do find them kind of fun in a novelty sort of way - disposable shoes perhaps?

I love Nike

Of all the sneakers out there, I have decided that I like Nike the best. They are comfy and stylish - in the gym or just walking around the mean streets of NYC. Especially these bad boys that I picked up at DSW this weekend. DSW doesn't mark down sneakers much - and they rarely even carry Nike's. However, I had a $20 off coupon so it was a sound economic decision. And besides, I love them. Yay.

25% off at Origins through May 5

You may have to have a coupon, but they were going to give it to me anyway...good promotion, as I would never have gone or spent so much! In store and online - click here: Origins.

Ike Designs: Special Offer on Earrings

April Showers bring May Flowers - AND LOTS OF COLOR! In honor of the gardens blooming day by day, Ike Designs is splashing color to your ears. Ike's May special sale is as colorful as the flowers coming to life each day. Earrings measuring about 1 and 1/4" in a myriad of gems are available for $22 each.

VISIT IKE DESIGNS BLOG AT: http://wwwikedesignsjewelry.blogspot.com//